OXFORD – Oxford’s Primary School students had a unique opportunity to learn about bus safety last week. Not only did they review proper conduct and etiquette on one of the district’s school buses, but they were also able to practice what to do in case of an emergency on one specially modified for that purpose.
According to Oxford’s Head Bus Driver Joyce Tefft, the district normally does bus evacuation drills three times a year. In these instances, students exit using the rear and side doors of the bus.
The SAFE bus was designed by the Student Accident Fire Evacuation Committee at the Owego Apalachin Central School District to allow students to safely practice exiting using the emergency windows and roof hatch as well.
“We’ve got a funny looking bus this morning,” said Oxford bus driver Bob Dunholt, when he introduced a group of fourth graders to the SAFE bus on Friday. And it does, indeed, look a little odd. While the front half resembles a traditional bus, the back of the SAFE bus simulates a bus on its side. With seats mounted to the ceiling, students practice exiting through the roof hatch and back of the bus.
With the assistance of Tefft, Dunholt and other members of Oxford’s bus driving staff, students tried each of the exits. Most showed little to know fear, but paid close attention to the advice they were being given.
“You can see why you want to come out feet first,” said Tefft, after each student had exited the emergency window onto the bus’ safety platform before descending to the ground.
According to Tefft, she hopes that exposing students to what it would be like in an accident will help them remember proper conduct and keep from panicking in the case of an actual emergency.
Tefft had seen the bus used for training at another local district and knew it would be a great tool in working with Oxford students. “All that they ask is that we fill up the tank,” said the head bus driver.
Because the Owego Apalachin district makes the SAFE bus available free of charge, it is in high demand.
“We were only able to schedule it for two days,” said Tefft. “Next year we’d like to schedule it for longer so we can get everyone through it.” She said she believes that Oxford’s middle and high school students could benefit from the chance to practice as well.
While the purpose of the exercise was certainly a serious one, students and faculty had a little fun with it as well.
“I think it’s awesome,” said one fourth grader. He and his classmates particularly enjoyed seeing their teacher, Clayton Kappauf, exit the bus via the window.